BROOKLET — Dr. Scott Bohlke, a former U.S. Air Force major, licensed physician,and owner of Bohler Family Practice in Brooklet, is seeking the Georgia Senate District 4 seat previously held for almost 30 years by Jack Hill.
Hill died unexpectedly at the age of 75 on April 6.
“I knew Jack well and respected his service to our area,” Bohlke said. “For two decades, we worked together on legislative issues impacting healthcare across our state. We both understood the absolute necessity of having healthcare providers in Georgia’s rural communities and the challenges these providers face each day. My career as a rural family physician as well as a small business owner gives me a unique understanding of the issues faced by many Georgia families.
“My focus is on the overall well-being of our entire community.”
Bohlke is a graduate of the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and served as a physician in the U.S. Air Force from 1995-1999. He was formerly president of the Medical Association of Georgia, as well as chief of staff at East Georgia Regional Medical Center.
Co-founder of The Hearts and Hands Clinic, a free healthcare service available to Bulloch County residents in need, Bohlke dedicates much of his time serving the community. As medical director, he was honored to win the 2011 Dean Day Smith Service to Mankind Award for his work to unite the medical community and Georgia Southern University to gain support for the clinic.
Additionally, Bohlke serves on numerous boards and remains actively involved in many organizations, giving him a broader knowledge of the needs within this district.
“Dr. Bohlke would be an excellent addition to the state senate,” said Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) Government Relations Director Derek Norton. “And it would be great for MAG and the house of medicine to have another physician in the state legislature.”
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Bohlke. After working through the endorsement process, business leaders from across the state were confident that his experience as a family physician would lead to effective policy decisions that would positively impact free enterprise and job creation throughout the state.
“After vetting the candidates running for Georgia’s 4th Senate District, our members believe there is a clear choice in who will champion economic development opportunities for South Georgia” said David Raynor, Georgia Chamber senior vice President of public affairs.
Bohlke remains active in the Medical Association of Georgia, serves on the boards of the MagMutual Insurance Company and the statewide Privia Medical Group, and is on the Board of Trustees for East Georgia Regional Medical Center.
"Upon attempting to seek this position, my hope is to help all individuals in this district and state by shaping healthcare issues at the state level” Bohlke said. “Plus, I believe by still practicing medicine, I will maintain the pulse of my district to take back to Atlanta. I believe that the forefathers of this country designed people to work and serve their fellow people simultaneously."
